deepundergroundpoetry.com
The Edge
I sat and watched you fight the current
as you were bashed along the jutted rocks,
fighting for your life...
gasping for air...
mind gone adrift...
I was there.
When the pain became too much to bear
and nearly swept you over the edge
as you clung on for dear life,
to that tiny
little
rock
I offered you my hand,
In the utmost care,
but I just couldn’t reach you.
You couldn't see me there.
THAT is when I grasped despair.
as you were bashed along the jutted rocks,
fighting for your life...
gasping for air...
mind gone adrift...
I was there.
When the pain became too much to bear
and nearly swept you over the edge
as you clung on for dear life,
to that tiny
little
rock
I offered you my hand,
In the utmost care,
but I just couldn’t reach you.
You couldn't see me there.
THAT is when I grasped despair.
Published 7th May 2020
Author's Note
You can only help someone once they decide they want the help...
PLEASE read and watch this incredible video which helped to inspire the poem:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MZocbMfElc
I began to think of the irony... the man wanted so bad to end his life, but by the end was begging for the rescuers to not let him go. It made me think of my mom and her struggle with addiction, and how she's drowning in it, so to speak. I can throw her a raft, but she will never grab on until she is ready to be saved. She clings to her rock like the man clings to his rock... Except he decided he wanted to be saved. And his rock was was his savior, rather than his kryptonite.
PLEASE read and watch this incredible video which helped to inspire the poem:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MZocbMfElc
I began to think of the irony... the man wanted so bad to end his life, but by the end was begging for the rescuers to not let him go. It made me think of my mom and her struggle with addiction, and how she's drowning in it, so to speak. I can throw her a raft, but she will never grab on until she is ready to be saved. She clings to her rock like the man clings to his rock... Except he decided he wanted to be saved. And his rock was was his savior, rather than his kryptonite.
All writing remains the property of the author. Don't use it for any purpose without their permission.
likes 35
reading list entries 16
comments 21
reads 863
Commenting Preference:
The author encourages honest critique.
7th May 2020 1:30am
I have never thought about things this way before. I wonder if I have been blind with only a stone in my hand. Did I miss out on my soulmate. Great write... this one will stick with me
7th May 2020 1:36am
Holy you know what
Beautiful Write NB
Gave me freaking goose bumps
Thank you for sharing
Beautiful Write NB
Gave me freaking goose bumps
Thank you for sharing
7th May 2020 1:56am
dearest NewB this is a very painful write
I was rocked to my core this hits home...
great write ❤
I was rocked to my core this hits home...
great write ❤
7th May 2020 2:14am
A sad and painful truth (author's note) 😔. You cannot help those who do not want to help themselves. It takes willingness on their part and this is also true with alcoholics. May you see a silver lining soon. 🙏🌹
7th May 2020 4:43am
7th May 2020 4:43am
Dear NB,
My stomach was in my throat watching the video. Then my heart was in my stomach reading your poem and author’s note. I am terribly sorry about your mom. It’s gut wrenching to watch a loved one tormented and suffer. Never mind the ache and exhaustion of being the one to watch their loved one in this state, and having so many emotions of ones own. Your write is so moving and your ability to share yourself with all of us through your poetry is not only courageous but admirable. I’d love a fraction of this gift. This piece and your closing line is phenomenal. H🌷
My stomach was in my throat watching the video. Then my heart was in my stomach reading your poem and author’s note. I am terribly sorry about your mom. It’s gut wrenching to watch a loved one tormented and suffer. Never mind the ache and exhaustion of being the one to watch their loved one in this state, and having so many emotions of ones own. Your write is so moving and your ability to share yourself with all of us through your poetry is not only courageous but admirable. I’d love a fraction of this gift. This piece and your closing line is phenomenal. H🌷
7th May 2020 5:36am
Yes it is true. You can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped. Keep on writing.
7th May 2020 12:00pm
Truth NB!!!
It all takes such energy and to see how strong the vacuum hits...
Is nothing short of heartbreaking.
Quite the capture here.
Those including myself...
When it comes to flaws or crutches ...they aren't the easiest to give up, especially if they give the mind a moment of joy.
Hard things such as drugs...well I can only imagine such a need.
To give up something that grips and hurts by such a process...well it often takes more strength than one person has.
Beautiful sadness in this tattoo'd Ink!!!
It all takes such energy and to see how strong the vacuum hits...
Is nothing short of heartbreaking.
Quite the capture here.
Those including myself...
When it comes to flaws or crutches ...they aren't the easiest to give up, especially if they give the mind a moment of joy.
Hard things such as drugs...well I can only imagine such a need.
To give up something that grips and hurts by such a process...well it often takes more strength than one person has.
Beautiful sadness in this tattoo'd Ink!!!
Sometimes an individual has to understand that they need help in order to except help.. only to hope that it is not to late.
Great piece.
Great piece.
7th May 2020 4:48pm
Made me remind a dream i had, standing at the end of a cliff... Somehow i didnt fall.... I guess someone reached on time......
As you witnessed the responses to your writing.... You already can imagine the impact it did and how great it is....
Thank you for sharing...
Its highly appreciated.
As you witnessed the responses to your writing.... You already can imagine the impact it did and how great it is....
Thank you for sharing...
Its highly appreciated.
7th May 2020 6:33pm
Dear NB,
It's lovely. For me , l see your despair as you couldn't save the person.
It's lovely. For me , l see your despair as you couldn't save the person.
7th May 2020 8:19pm
Too very true...
there's nought to be done...
help can't be given
it must be asked for and won
there's nought to be done...
help can't be given
it must be asked for and won
7th May 2020 8:26pm
8th May 2020 00:18am
A poignant and powerful poem NB...and yes...we can only help one that wants to be helped.
Peace...Harry
Peace...Harry
8th May 2020 9:53am
Heart wrenching, powerful and beautifully written poem. It very vividly brings home the point that no one changes their behavior until they feel the need to change it. In the meantime, many people in their life are affected by their destructive behavior that results in pain and heartbreak. Excellent work, my friend!
8th May 2020 10:36am
Anonymous
- Edited 25th Oct 2022 6:45pm
8th May 2020 7:19pm
<< post removed >>
11th May 2020 4:10am
7th Jul 2020 10:20pm
Very well written. I liked it a lot.just checking out your old work. Keep grinding nb.
16th Jul 2023 6:47pm
